Summer—the season of sun, sand, and, most importantly, weddings—is finally upon us! For most brides, summer signifies not only beautiful wedding locales and weather, but also gorgeous wedding gowns to match the cheery season. And whether you are looking to spend $60 or $6,000, there's a dress out there for you and your warm-weather nuptials.
If you're searching for a look that's both traditional and summer weather appropriate, opt for gowns with light and airy fabrics. Planning a black-tie affair? Elegant slips dresses and lightweight, strapless ball gowns are always a wonderful choice! Whatever your style preference might be, just remember that you shouldn't let the warmer temperatures stop you from wearing the dress of your dreams. After all, there are many designers who create their gowns with the sun and higher temperatures in mind.
So, to help kickstart your search, we’ve narrowed down our top summer wedding dresses for every style, budget, and wedding destination.
For the Classic Romantic: Jenny by Jenny Yoo Beale Gown
Romantic flutter sleeves pair beautifully with a low swoop back and gorgeous train in this Jenny Yoo gown. For a romantic entrance on your wedding day, opt for this elegant, unique, and lightweight dress.
For a Fairytale Wedding: LoveShackFancy Alistair Maxi Dress
This 100 percent silk organza gown, topped with custom floral lace, is a whimsical option for a fairytale wedding. With a fitted bodice and flowing skirt, the Alistair will flatter any bride who chooses this stunning dress.
Best Dress with Pockets: David’s Bridal Satin V-neck Tea Length A-Line Dress
In a day and age where convenience is key, who doesn’t want a wedding dress with pockets? This tea-length beauty is perfect for any bride searching for an elevated A-line dress.
For the Party Bride: ASOS Edition Mini Shift Dress
This mini shift dress is a fun statement piece, complete with embellished mesh. It's easy to style and pairs perfectly with high stiletto heels.
For the Fashion Forward Bride: Rime Arodaky Vekell Gown
This two-piece tulle gown is where comfort meets couture. A bodysuit, with a long skirt and train, is chic and practical for a glamorous wedding. Even better, you don't have to worry about jewelry as this dress shines on its own.Most Form-Fitting: Reformation Barletta Dress
The Barletta is a form-fitting, floor-length gown, perfect for the bride with an edge. Its blank canvas leaves endless options for shoes, hair, and accessories.
For the Modern Bride: Rosie Assoulin Whoopsy Daisy Asymmetric Ruffled Silk-Charmeuse Gown
This slim-fit gown is perfect for the modern bride. Pair with all gold jewelry and heels to accentuate the flair of the voluminous ruffles.
For a Beach Wedding: Jacquemus Amour Dress
This light and airy gown is our number one choice for a beach wedding. The lining is 100 percent cotton, and utterly ideal for a hot summer day. Style tip: Go barefoot in the sand and let the dress be the star.
Most Classic Fit & Flare: Alaia Cotton Gabardine Maxi Dress
This beautiful fit and flare dress, by Alaia, features a classic silhouette for a traditional and modern bride. To further elevate your look, pair with a colorful clutch or statement-making shoes.
Best Princess Gown: White by Vera Wang Textured Organza Wedding Dress
This organza ballgown is our top choice for a princess wedding. If you’re looking for a lightweight and comfortable ballgown that'll make you feel like royalty, this is it.
For a Pop of Color: Zimmermann Resort 2022 Look 1 Midi Dress in Ivory
This ivory tulle midi, covered in colorful flowers, is our top choice for a bridal dress with a twist. Pair with colorful heels, flats, or sandals to accentuate the florals on the dress. Most Splurge Worthy: Dolce & Gabbana Sposa Gown
For brides with a higher budget, this dress is for you. The feminine ruffles and ostrich feathers create a unique look for a black-tie wedding—while the sleeveless design ensures you feel cool all night long.
Elegant Cap Sleeve: David’s Bridal Appliqued Cap Sleeve Tulle Plus Size Wedding Dress
Beaded lace and cap sleeves create a stunning silhouette that falls into a tulle ball gown skirt. Most importantly, the V-neckline and open back will keep you cool on balmy nights.
Best Blazer Dress: Rime Arodaky Jax Dress
You can never go wrong with a flattering cinched waist on a mini blazer dress. A fashion-forward option for the bride who doesn’t want a typical wedding gown.
Best Budget: Lulus End With a Kiss White Floral Lace Strapless Tiered Maxi Dress
This under-$100 lace strapless dress is our top budget-friendly choice. Featuring a sweetheart neckline, this feminine gown is equal parts form-fitting and flattering.
Best Ruffled Dress: Carolina Herrera Tiered Floral Embroidered Tulle Dress
A high neckline and long sleeves are perfect for a nighttime ceremony during the summer. Pair with floral earrings to truly showcase the details of this gorgeous dress.
Best Lightweight Maxi: Bernadette Marlow Tiered Satin Dress
An elegant deep V-neckline is a great wedding day option for warm-weather nuptials, and this Bernadette gown proves just that! Follow the styling lead and pair with a statement necklace and embellished heel sandals.
Classic High Neckline: Jenny by Jenny Yoo Shipley Gown
If you're looking to channel Meghan Markle's regalness on your wedding day, opt for this halter gown by Jenny Yoo. Reminiscent of the Stella McCartney reception gown the Duchess of Sussex wore, this form-fitting look will certainly turn heads as you walk down the aisle.
For a Feathery Finish: Elliatt Harley Dress
What's better than a midi dress with a touch of glam? Nothing! We're sure this feathered frock will become a wardrobe staple long after you say "I do."
Best Sleeve Design: Sleeper Michelin Silk Dress
This 100 percent silk, off-the-shoulder dress is a great option for a flirty and fun look. We love it for everything from a tropical beach wedding to nuptials held on a vineyard.
Best Tube Dress: Jonathan Simkhai Selena Tube Dress
For brides searching for a dress that's appropriate for the ceremony, reception, and after-party, look no further! This knit midi is versatile, comfortable, and classic—and features a unique neckline that creates the illusion of a strapless dress.
Best Slip Dress: Elliatt Aisle Dress
A draped neckline and low back create a simplistic white bridal look for your summer wedding. With a little added stretch, the Aisle dress will hug your shape in all the right places.
Best Two-Piece Set: Zimmermann Floral Blossom Shirt and Applique Skirt
Zimmermann didn't disappoint with this two-piece ensemble—perfect for the non-traditional and bold bride. Trust us, you'll be the star of the show at any of your summer wedding festivities if you choose this look.For the Boho Bride: Free People Temecula Maxi Dress
For brides seeking out a statement-making gown, that isn't overly ornate or dramatic, Free People's Temecula dress is for you. Skip the veil and opt for delicate hairpins for a more laidback look.
Best Mini Dress: LoveShackFancy Calandre Mini Dress
This strapless mini dress, with allover gathered tulle, is the epitome of modern-day bridal chic. All eyes will be on you as you strut down the aisle in this one-of-a-kind LoveShackFancy piece.
Shopping FAQs
Planning a warm weather ceremony? We’ve answered three questions brides have when shopping for summer wedding gowns.
* What are the best wedding dresses for warm-weather nuptials? If your wedding is taking place during the summer months, you should consider dresses in breezy fabrics like cotton and linen—as well as lightweight lace. Short wedding dresses are also a stylish and practical choice for the summertime.
* I am not a dress person, what are some other options? Popular alternatives to wedding gowns are typically jumpsuits or pantsuits, which are both chic and statement-making looks. However, it's always important to remember that you should wear what makes you feel most comfortable.
* What are the best bridal shoes for seaside weddings? For beach weddings, opt for sand-friendly shoes like flats, espadrilles, and sandals.
